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Car first aid kit – what should it contain? Where to put the first aid kit and what else might be useful?
Car first aid kit – what should it contain? Where to put the first aid kit and what else might be useful?
A car first aid kit is equipment that can help save a life. How to complete it and what else is worth carrying in the car in case of an emergency?
Is a car first aid kit mandatory?
The regulations regarding what must be carried in a car are regulated by the regulation of the Minister of Infrastructure of December 31, 2002 on the technical conditions of vehicles and the scope of their necessary equipment. According to this legal act, the following must be present in the car:
- warning triangle with approval mark,
- homologated powder fire extinguisher, at least one kilogram, to be placed in an easily accessible place.
The list of items included in the mandatory equipment is extremely short. There is no first aid kit there.
However, there are exceptions to this rule. An emergency medical aid kit must be equipped with:
- by bus,
- taxis,
- a truck adapted to transport people,
- a motor vehicle intended for driving lessons and examinations.
First-aid kit is optional in most cases. However, it is worth taking it with you. Why? First of all, for common sense reasons, for your own safety and that of other road users. It's better to have a first aid kit in your car and never use it than to regret not having it in a crisis situation.
Moreover, it is a good idea to take it with you due to the provisions of the Penal Code, which require assistance to people who may lose their life or suffer serious damage to their health. Of course, this applies to situations in which we do not expose ourselves or others to a similar risk. The law does not require you to jump into fire, but being passive in a situation where you can help can result in up to 3 years in prison.
What if I travel abroad by car? A first aid kit is mandatory equipment in many European countries, including those neighboring Poland. However, you don't need to have it. The police in Germany or Belgium do not have the right to issue a ticket for not having a car first aid kit, because according to the Vienna Convection, the car must have mandatory equipment that is required in the country of vehicle registration.
Virage Moje Auto car first aid kit
What should a car first aid kit contain?
In Poland, there are no regulations regulating what exactly should be included in a car first aid kit. However, first aid kits for vehicles are often designed to meet European standards DIN 13164 standard.
According to it, the contents of a car first aid kit should look like this:
- individual dressing G – 1 piece,
- individual dressing M – 2 pieces,
- individual dressing K – 1 piece,
- set of plasters (14 pieces) – 1 set,
- glue 5 m × 2,5 cm – 1 piece,
- elastic band 4 m × 6 cm – 2 pieces,
- elastic band 4 m × 8 cm – 3 pieces,
- dressing cloth 40 cm × 60 cm – 1 piece,
- dressing cloth 60 cm × 80 cm – 1 piece,
- compress 10 cm × 10 cm (packed in 2 pieces) – 3 pieces
- triangular scarf – 2 pieces,
- scissors 14,5 cm – 1 piece
- vinyl gloves – 4 pieces,
- emergency blanket 160 × 210 cm – 1 piece,
- wet wipe – 2 pieces,
- mouthpiece for artificial respiration – 1 piece,
- first aid instructions with a list of emergency telephone numbers.
An example of a set composed in accordance with European standards is car first aid kit from Moje Auto, available in two variants.
What should not be included in a car first aid kit?
The first aid kit should not include disinfectants or medications. This is due to, among others, that these funds must be stored in appropriate conditions. A first aid kit in the car is exposed to changes in temperature and humidity. Pharmaceuticals can simply go bad.
Moreover, the injured person should not administer medicines themselves. First of all, he is not sure whether he is allergic to something. Secondly, the tablet may cause choking.
The first aid kit should not contain lignin or cotton wool. These are not professional dressings and their use may harm more than help. Fine fibers may contaminate the wound.
Where should the first aid kit be located?
A first aid kit is equipment that is good to have at hand. It is better not to place the set at the bottom of the trunk or near the spare tire. It may turn out that in a crisis situation, you have to take out all your luggage to get to the car's first aid kit.
Moreover, if the first aid kit is placed in a hard-to-reach place and hidden under heavier objects, its contents may be damaged. It is best to store it in a compartment inside the car, a side door pocket or an easily accessible compartment in the trunk.
What else should be in the car for use during emergencies?
A first aid kit is not the only piece of equipment that is worth carrying in the car in case of an unforeseen situation. What car accessories Can they still be useful?
First of all, a flashlight. It will be best if it has blinking and light color changing functions. Then it will not only be useful for lighting, but can also serve as a warning signal.
It is also a good idea to carry reflective vests in the car for the driver and all passengers. The person providing assistance will be much more visible on the road and from a greater distance, not only at night but also during the day.
A hammer for breaking windows and a seat belt cutter may also be useful. Often, this type of equipment is combined with a car flashlight. We write in more detail in the article about what is worth taking with you in the car What do you need and what is worth having in your car? Our list.
A car first aid kit is equipment that you should always have in your vehicle, even though it is not mandatory. It is a good idea to check the expiration date of your products at least twice a year. However, a first aid kit alone will not save your health and life, so it is also important to know rules of first aid.
